Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy
division of Group Lotus plc, announces its continued collaboration
with Loughborough University through the sponsorship of the Group
Lotus Senior Research Fellowship into Laser Diagnostics. The
research activities will continue to focus on reducing internal
combustion engine emissions.

Lotus Engineering originally started
working with Loughborough University in 1997 and the Group Lotus
Fellowship was created four years ago to develop the cutting edge
research programme HOTFIRE. This high technology research programme,
in conjunction with Siemens VDO, UCL and EPSRC, resulted in an
innovative approach to improving fuel efficiency and emissions from
a gasoline direct injection engine.

The Group Lotus Fellowship is held by Dr Graham Wigley of the
School of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering and Systems
Engineering, who will continue the research into advanced combustion
using the Lotus optical research engine and laser diagnostics. This
cutting edge research is integral to Lotus Engineering’s ongoing
activities into new and world leading techniques and technologies to
reduce the environmental impact of the internal combustion engine.

Simon Wood, Technical Director of Lotus Engineering said: “This
collaboration provides Dr Wigley and his team the opportunity to
continue this exciting research. By using the Lotus optical access
research engine with Loughborough’s laser diagnostics expertise, we
are able to look inside the engine to understand the interaction of
the air motion and fuel spray in the cylinder. This keeps Lotus
Engineering at the forefront of advanced combustion technologies,
which will find their way into engines of the future.”

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc
further commented: “I am delighted that we will carry on working
closely with Loughborough University, one of the most highly
regarded educational institutions in the United Kingdom. This is an
excellent example of an industry and academic partnership producing
world-class research for the benefit of the environment, the car
buyer and maintaining the UK’s position at the forefront of
technology.”

Dr Wigley remarked “Over the years a highly productive working
relationship has been developed and state of the art experimental
facilities have been established for studying the air-fuel mixing
and combustion for advanced gasoline engine technologies. The
continuation of the Fellowship helps maintain the high level of
momentum and expertise developed by the research team.”